Category: NFL

Earnest Graham For Deep PPR Leagues

Earnest Graham’s rushing total may not be impressive, however, his reception total may surprise you.

Analysis: Earnest Graham has hauled in twenty balls in just three games this year, if that stat doesn’t scream PPR depth then I don’t know what does. Graham may only have thirty yards on the ground this year but twenty receptions for 116 receiving yards will get some attention. Graham’s twenty-two targets tell the whole story with passing down situations considering feature back LeGarrette Blount only has three targets on the year. LeGarrette Blount may have a monopoly on carrying the rock and goal line situations but Earnest Graham is the man with the hands in passing situations. Graham’s 146 total yards and twenty receptions make him hard to ignore in deep PPR leagues and since he’s available in tons of leagues you have to give this guy a look. Tampa is passing the ball 36.3 times per game thus far this season to just 23.7 rushing attempts per game and expect that trend to continue if not bump up just a bit. The Bucs are in between a passing team and a balanced team but we will see more forty passing attempt games with Josh Freeman than thirty carry games with LeGarrette Blount and friends.

Nate Washington Is A Must Add

With the injury to Kenny Britt, veteran wide out Nate Washington becomes a must add in all fantasy formats.

Analysis: Whether Kenny Britt’s knee injury is season ending or not, Nate Washington’s fantasy value is on the rise. Washington had already caught thirteen balls for 166 yards in his first two games while playing with Britt. Now, with Britt out of the picture Sunday against Denver, Washington exploded for eight receptions for ninety-two yards and a score. Washington now has at least six receptions in each game this year and twenty-seven targets. The Titans are struggling mightily on the ground this year and that fact can only add to Washington’s value. He’s available in most fantasy leagues and expect him to go fast, especially if Kenny Britt is out for the year. Going forward Washington projects as an upper tier WR3/FLEX option. With a career 15.2 yards per reception average, Washington can be a big play wide out.

Even if Chris Johnson gets it going, the Titans lack the depth at wide out to really limit Washington’s value the rest of the year.

Sell High- Dustin Keller

Dustin Keller may have the second most fantasy points among tight ends in standard leagues but it’s time to sell.

Analysis: Dustin Keller is off to a hot start, it sounds awfully familiar! Last year Keller started the season with FIVE touchdowns in the first four weeks of the season- he did not catch one touchdown in his remaining twelve games. Thus far this year Keller has two touchdowns with 162 receiving yards. First, we have to look at the targets, Keller has fourteen targets on the year- sixth most among tight ends. That actually isn’t that bad but Keller doesn’t have the quarterback to put up top tier fantasy numbers while not being heavily targeted like a Jason Witten. We also have to consider the New York offense has only run the ball an average of twenty-four times per game, which doesn’t put them in the top half of the league in rushing attempts. New York will run the ball more, they averaged 33 rushing attempts in 2010 and 38 in 2009.

Keller is a great athlete and in a better system with a better quarterback he would be a TE1 but as of right now he isn’t. Sell high.

 

Panthers Steve Smith is a Must Start

The Carolina Panthers Steve Smith had 6 receptions for 156 receiving yards in a losing effort against the Green Bay Packers.

Analysis: He’s baaaack.  Fantasy owners were leery to start him in week 2 against a solid Packers defense. He had a 59% start percentage in CBS Leagues and a 38% starting percentage in NFL.com fantasy leagues.  He was roughed up and beat up by the Packers, but finally managed to break out in the 4th quarter when the game was nearly decided.  The Panthers have turned into a pass-happy team with Smith getting plenty of targets.  It looks like the old Steve Smith is back and he remains a must start from now on.

Antonio Gates held without a catch for the first time since 2008

Fantasy owners looking for a big game with Antonio Gates were disappointed on Sunday where he did not record a catch in a loss to the Patriots.

Analysis: Surprised? You should be.  This is the first time Gates has been held without a catch since 2008 against the Raiders.  It looked like the Patriots defense was wearing him down throughout the game.  Meanwhile Vincent Jackson had a career day.  Philip Rivers did look Gates’ way a few times and one pass was actually intercepted.  No word yet on if he suffered an injury, but for now we have to assume he is fine going into week 3.

Projection: This is clearly an unusual week for Gates, but expect him to put up solid numbers next week against a horrible Kansas City team.